The Joy Of Being Generous!

I've been on this generosity kick.

Between you and me, I can be quite frugal with myself, and very generous with others. I'm working on that. 

In the meantime…

In the last five days, I've extended three invitations. The offer was out of my mouth before I had time to think “what am I saying?!?”

Offer #1

On Wednesday I found out my friend has Covid.

I said “let me know if you need anything.”

My mind then said, that's a silly offer, she has a husband, who is able to help out.

I'm glad I offered, because the next morning she texted “If you're going to the store today, can you please grab me some stuff?”

I was thrilled. I would love to, I said.

Remember, one of my love languages is acts of service.

Offer #2

I had to drop something off at this awesome shop on the east side of town.

(If you don't know LA, the east side it's VERY far from where I live, in Santa Monica. Actually it's not THAT far, it's just depending on traffic, it could take anywhere from 20 mins to two hours.)

I called on Friday to confirm something and mentioned I was coming from Santa Monica, implying this is a big deal. I then asked the girl who answered the phone “do you need anything from Santa Monica?” (Assuming she rarely makes it west, also not thinking before asking.)

She replied “I mean, I'd love some Bay Cities!”

(For those of you that don't know Bay Cities, they make really good sandwiches. The people who love them make a point to always get one when visiting.)

I replied “I'll bring you Bay Cities! What do you want? A godmother, with or without the works, hot or mild peppers?”

She chuckled and said “No, it's ok, you don't have to get me Bay Cities.”

Me: I'd be thrilled to bring you a sandwich. How about this; I'll leave my house by 11a tomorrow morning. If you change your mind, place your order online and text me and I'll grab it on the way.

She hesitantly agreed.

Saturday morning, sans text and sandwich, I drove to the east side. (It took 42 mins.)

I dropped my stuff and then found Jenny, that was her name.

I almost didn't introduce myself. I didn't want her to feel embarrassed for not accepting my offer. I ignored those thoughts and introduced myself.

Me: Hi, I'm Joey, the one that offered to bring you Bay Cities.

She was flattered, said the morning had gotten away from her and was grateful for my offer. I honestly don't think she felt comfortable accepting my offer, from a stranger nonetheless. It was still fun making the offer.

Offer #3

Fast forward to right now, Monday night. My neighbor let me know she's headed out of the country and I immediately thought “what could I do to alleviate any stress she might be feeling right now?”

Me: Do you need a ride to the airport?

Her: Aw! The airport ride would be awesome but it's also Halloween 😬I don't know if I want to put you through that! Could I pay you? We were gonna take an Uber.

It looks like I've created a new challenge for myself. See how many selfless offers I can make to people. I am two for three right now! (I just got home from the airport!)

The best part, when I make an offer and they accept!

My invitation for you:

Bring to mind a recent time you were feeling triggered:

• Did you accept the offer?

• If yes, how did it make you feel?

• If no, why did you turn something appealing down?

I spent years turning down offers from others.

I didn't want to feel like a burden.

I didn't want to feel like I had to “pay them back.”

I didn't want to feel guilty for saying yes.

The funny thing is, I don't think of any of those things when making offers. I don't want anything in return or at least I'm not doing it for anything in return.

I'm not making the offers from my ego, I'm making offers from my heart.

Are you ready for something different in your life?

Let me be your guide. 

I will hold space and take good care of your mind, body and soul!

You can schedule a curiosity here.

It's a friendly conversation, let's get curious together.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to seeing you next time.

With so much gratitude,

Minutes before leaving for the airport, in my half mouse/cat Halloween costume.